May 24, 2023 Pageview:463
We live in an industrial environment where most electrical equipment relies on DC voltage. This is equipment that includes protection relays, main ring units, DC motors, and other components, and it’s extremely crucial for power failures.
Because of the extreme importance, the device must have a battery-backed power solution, known as a DC UPS or battery charger. As such, the battery is one of the most critical aspects of a DC UPS.
In this guide, we shall be looking at what a DC UPS is and how to choose the right battery. Keep reading.
What is DC UPS?
UPS stands for uninterruptible power supply, and it is what the name says – equipment that provides uninterruptible power. We know that power failures and outages can cause devastating results and force you to spend a lot of money on repairs. Abrupt cut to the power supply is one of the main causes of electrical shorts in systems.
A DC UPS, or battery backup, provides the backup power needed to run your electrical device when there is a problem with your regular power source. When power fails, or voltage drops to unacceptable levels, the UPS gives you more time for a safe and orderly shutdown of your computer or any other connected device.
The size, type, and design of the UPS will determine how much power you will get from it. It also determines how long you will have to switch off your connected device.
It is extremely important to choose the right UPS since some of them may not offer the right performance as you would desire. Some have such weak batteries that they may give you only a few seconds. But a powerful UPS may give you several hours.
What Kind Of Battery Is Good For DC UPS?
There are so many batteries used in UPS systems today. However, not all of them are good. When looking for a replacement battery, you need to find one that offers the most power for a longer time and is the safest.
Here are some of the features to consider:
Battery Type
Different battery types are designed to offer different levels of performance. Most UPS systems use VRLA AGM batteries because they offer lower internal resistance, have a high specific power, are more efficient, have low self-discharge, and are relatively cheaper. Also, these batteries charge much faster to provide a high current in a short time safely.
There are several other batteries used in these systems. They include:
Lithium iron (LifePO4). LiFePO4 UPS systems have become a more popular alternative to lead acid batteries today.?
They offer more performance and are generally more reliable.
Lead acid batteries. You can never talk about UPS batteries without mentioning lead acid. These batteries have been used in these systems for edges. They are more affordable than LifePO4, with lower internal impedance and higher tolerance. There are various types of lead acid batteries, including VRLA/SLA and VLA or flooded batteries.
?Nickel-cadmium. Even though nickel-cadmium batteries are becoming less and less popular as UPS options, they are still applicable in different. These systems are far more expensive than VRLA varieties but are less efficient.
Length of Time the Battery Can Offer
The next thing you need to consider is the backup runtime required. Consider what you want the battery to do when the power goes off. Do you want to shut down everything immediately, or do you want to keep working when the power goes off? This is one of the most crucial considerations since it will determine how much performance and convenience you will get from your system. We recommend going for the most powerful battery since it will give you enough time to set yourself up properly.
Capacity
A large-capacity UPS is vital if you are running a business and have several computers. But for homeowners with only one computer, you may not require too much power. So, choose a battery that gives you just enough capacity to get what you want. And this is where you need to be very careful when choosing, especially for the brand.
Warranties
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a UPS battery is the warranty. You need at least a one-year assurance that your battery will perform well. It is all about protecting your investment and ensuring your devices are safe.
Your Space
Consider where you are working from too. Do you have enough space for a large UPS, or do you just want something small? We recommend going for something compact and highly efficient. There are small systems that perform a lot better than larger ones.
Price
How much are you willing to invest in the UPS? As you may have already imagined, more expensive systems are often tagged as the best performers. Even though this is not always true, it’s still a good place to start. But it all comes down to your budget.
With these factors in mind, lithium-ion phosphate batteries are considered the best for UPS systems today. They are more affordable, have larger capacities, and are generally better performers, as you will see below.
Why Is A Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery More Suitable For A DC UPS Battery?
LiFePO4 UPS systems have become the most popular option because of what the batteries promise. Since choosing the right battery is crucial in this industry, those systems with LifePO4 batteries sell more than others for the following reasons.
Safety
Safety is one of the biggest concerns in the modern battery world. Every user wants a reliable, safe battery. LFP batteries are more stable than lithium-ion and other batteries, making them the safest choice for UPSs.
Lighter
Weight also matters when choosing a UPS; it all comes from the battery.?LFP batteries are much lighter than other batteries, making them more portable.
Temperature Range
The batteries offer more operating temperature range. You can use them in temperatures ranging from -20 C to 60 C, and the battery will remain good.
Longevity
LFP batteries promise the highest lifespan. This is why they are used more in UPS systems. You can be sure to get back your investment.
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